BA in Christian Studies: Biblical Studies Emphasis
journey today.
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies can prepare future servant leaders to communicate the Word of God with clarity, humility and purpose to diverse audiences. Students are encouraged to engage in biblical interpretation, developing the ability to thoughtfully analyze Scripture and apply it to contemporary life.
Offered by the College of Theology, this program promotes exploration of personal morality, guiding students to reflect on ethical decision-making through a Christian lens. In addition to a solid foundation in the Christian worldview, learners will also examine major world religions, fostering a broader understanding of global faith perspectives.
The biblical studies courses entail an intensive survey of Christian doctrine, Christian history and theology with a focus on biblical interpretation and genre studies in the Old and New Testaments. You will undergo an in-depth exploration of the Bible and be taught to rightly handle the Word of God through the teaching and preaching of Scripture within a church or other ministry context.
Earn Your BA in Christian Studies: Biblical Studies Online or on Campus
While you are conducting your biblical studies online or on campus, you will have the opportunity to benefit from a learning community of peers and instructors, all of whom are seeking to grow closer to God.
With GCU, you can complete your religious education degree through a flexible online format designed to fit your busy lifestyle. This convenient approach can help you balance your personal and professional commitments, while engaging deeply in Scripture and theological studies. Throughout the program, you will access to online learning resources and support that can help you enhance your understanding of the Word of God and deepen your faith.
GCU’s campus encompasses over 300 acres. You can choose to complete your bachelor’s degree in person and take advantage of all that campus life has to offer. On-campus learning provides access to various facilities to help guide you throughout your program, including tutoring and career services. You can also enjoy other GCU perks, such as a variety of dining options and fitness centers.
Through your coursework, you will explore Old and New Testament studies, laying a foundation for effective ministry and biblical understanding. You will explore teaching styles and methodologies for meaningful Scripture communication. Emphasizing Christian character formation and ethical decision-making, the program can foster both spiritual and professional growth. Under the guidance of knowledgeable instructors, you will be encouraged to refine your speaking and listening skills within various ministerial contexts.
As a Christian studies graduate, you will have been taught to minister effectively to a variety of audiences, including church congregations, small groups and student ministries, bringing biblical truth to life with clarity, compassion and conviction.
In courses such as Gospels and Acts, Biblical Interpretation and Application, Pentateuch and Hebrew Prophets, these core curriculum areas are explored:
Foundations
Interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts in light of major theological themes
Impact
Pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic prophets, focusing on their ministry and messages in relation to the social, political and religious conditions of their times
Importance
The use of the basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including their application to contemporary issues
Reading
The development of literature, composition and theological themes pertaining to the Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament
History
The story of Jesus in the four Gospels, the Holy Spirit’s work in Acts and the early church’s life through the New Testament epistles
Follow your faith and pursue a career that can enable you to share God’s Word. Graduating with a bachelor’s in Christian studies: biblical studies, can prepare you for servant leadership in the Christian church and beyond, opening pathways in ministry, education, counseling and missions. While some roles may require further certification or graduate study, such as at Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, graduates are also called to serve in both traditional and nontraditional ways, bringing a Christian perspective to diverse communities and professions.
Other career possibilities that may be related to this degree program include:
Religious activities and educational director
Postsecondary philosophy and religion teacher
Christian counselor
The median annual wage of clergy is $58,920, as of May 2024.1
Half of all pastors hold a bachelor’s degree.2
GCU is a private, institutionally accredited Christian university. Accreditation is a designation that speaks to the quality of instruction in our degree programs. GCU’s professors and adjunct instructors strive to deliver curriculum that can prepare you to pursue your choice of career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before applying for biblical studies courses, it’s wise to gather information about the field and degree programs. The following frequently asked questions and answers can offer insight to help you plan your future.
Biblical Studies is the academic examination of the Bible, focusing on its historical context, literary structure, theological themes and cultural impact. At GCU, students in this field analyze Scripture using scholarly methods, learning to interpret biblical texts, understand their relevance throughout history and apply their insights to ministry, education and personal growth. This discipline can equip students with a deeper understanding of faith and prepare them for church leadership, teaching and service roles.
Deciding whether a Christian studies degree is worthwhile depends on your goals. Professionally, it can prepare you for faith-based careers, such as church leadership. Personally, it allows for deeper exploration of biblical topics and their relevance in everyday life. If you seek to understand and grow in your relationship with God, this degree may be a valuable pursuit.
Theology and biblical studies are interconnected yet distinct fields within Christian education. Biblical studies focus on analyzing and interpreting Scripture, considering its historical context, literary structure and original languages to understand its meaning. In contrast, theology examines broader concepts of Christian belief, such as the nature of God, salvation and ethics, often grounded in biblical texts while engaging with church tradition and contemporary issues. Biblical studies concentrate on the texts, whereas theology emphasizes the underlying concepts.
Expand your knowledge of the Christian faith and prepare to pursue a faith-oriented career path with a BA in Christian Studies: Biblical Studies. Fill out the form to learn more.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clergy as of May 2024, retrieved September 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as clergy, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Zippia. (n.d.). Pastor Demographics and Statistics in the U.S. Zippia.com. Retrieved Sept. 22, 2025.